Abstract
This research paper reviews the acute effects of pecan nuts ingestion on plasma levels of nutrients, polyphenols and biomarkers of antioxidant status. It specifically discusses whether, after the consumption of pecans, there is any increase in plasma polyphenol concentration. It also discusses when the peak concentration for polyphenols in plasma occurs, after consumption of a pecan-containing meal. The paper then looks at whether there is there any increase in plasma antioxidant capacity after consumption of pecans. Finally, the paper discusses whether there is any decrease in plasma lipid peroxidation after pecan consumption.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Chapter One
Introduction
Statement Of The Problem
Purpose Of The Study
Research Questions
Chapter II
Literature Review
Introduction
Chemistry, Classification And Distribution
Phenolic Acids
Flavonoids
Lignans
Stillbenes
Tannins
Metabolism
Absorption And Bioavailability Of Polyphenols
Deconjunction And Reconjunction Of Polyphenols
Metabolism By Microflora In Colon
Polyphenol Excretion
Polyphenol Content Of Foods
Polyphenol Content Of Nuts, Pecans, & Other Nuts
Biological Effects Of Polyphenols
Analytical Procedure & Findings Of The Study
Assays
Review Of Postprandial Studies And Effect On Plasma Polyphenols

From the Paper
"The diet is abundant in polyphenols, which are micronutrients. Furthermore there is a great deal of evidence, which exists to demonstrate the role polyphenols play in prevention of certain diseases and including cancer. (Manach et al 2004) The amount consumed and absorbed is the factor that determines the effects to health of polyphenols. In making determination of the absorption of polyphenols following food intake there are two studies that are differential in nature and which are conducted on the basis of both direct and indirect proof of polyphenol availability. Plasma concentrations can provide individual or total polyphenols in plasma and can be measured through use of Folin-Ciocaltau (FC) assay. The Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP) is a method used for measurement of the ferric reduction ability of plasma. The ferric tripyridytriazine complex at low pH results in reduction to the ferrous form. Test conditions are favorable to the complex reduction and the development of an intense blue color but only when a reductant or antioxidant is present. Linear rates in absorbance changes are noted over a range with antioxidant mixtures that is wide and includes both plasma and solutions that are inclusive of antioxidants."

Tags:nutrients, polyphenols, biomarkers, antioxidant

Abstract
The paper shows that in the study of structural development in the brain there have been several proposed biomarkers for quantifying brain plasticity. These include but are not limited to cortical thickness, dendritic length and branching, expression of neuronal proteins, and the presence of DNA adducts. The paper discusses the theory that a measure of brain plasticity emerging late in embryonic development will be a very sensitive biomarker for detecting subtle damage suffered by brain cells during earlier stages of brain development not detectable by other means. The paper shows that to test this, the effects of a neurotoxin on the late developing dendritic spines were studied. A significant decrease in spine density was observed as the neurotoxin, methylazoxymethanol, increased. The author of the paper shows how the implications are widespread in the study of neuro-degenerative disease.

From the Paper
"Fifty years ago, Donald Hebb demonstrated that the conditions under which laboratory rats were housed could significantly affect their performance in a variety of complex spatial tasks later in life (1). The complex environment rearing paradigm has been valuable in assessing plasticity of a variety of brain components including cerebral cortical microvasculature, astrocyetic morphology, dentritic branching patterns, synaptic number, and synaptic structure are all affected by complex environment rearing (2). It has been suggested that multiple synaptic contacts (spines) may play a role in the spread of the additive effect of learning known as potentiation, among neighboring unstimulated neurons. A lack of these spines and their connection with boutons of neighboring neurons could then result in a decrease in the capacity for learning. Some recent work has indicated that the presence of multiple synaptic contacts may be altered by experience. Most of this research has focused on structural changes in the hippocampus. Dendrtic spines show great variability in structure and connectivity, both within and across brain structures, including 10-fold differences in length and diameter as well as variations in the number of branches and spines per dendrite."

Tags:animal, brain, cortex, models, neurotoxicity, visual

Abstract
This paper critiques a study and the methods used to evaluate exercise and its relationship to a number of biomarkers for women over 65 on hormonal therapy after chemotherapy for breast cancer.

From the Paper
"Level of Measurement: There are four levels of measurement in statistical analysis: nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio. Why is it important to know the level of measurement? First, knowing the level of measurement helps one decide how to interpret the data from that variable; and second, knowing the level of measurement helps one determine the appropriate statistical analysis on the values. For example, if a measure is nominal, then the average of the data values would never be computed or a t-test done on the data because there is no intrinsic ordering to the categories; such as male and female..."

Tags:nursing, research, critique

Abstract
This paper relates that implanted stem cells used to repair or replace damaged tissues are less likely to be rejected by the body's immune system than other foreign cells. The author points out that germ line cells and adult stem cells are less versatile than embryonic stem cells, which can develop into every type of tissue found in an adult; however, the processes that control this development are at present not fully understood. The paper discusses that BioMark International, a privately funded Biotech Group, provides access to a unique method of Cord Blood Stem Cell (CBSC)processing by which CBSCs are derived from the umbilical cords from natural full term births of consenting mothers, all of whom have been tested according to standards set by the American Association of Blood Banks .

From the Paper
"In May 2004, Nancy Reagan, whose husband former President Ronald Reagan was at the time suffering the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease, urged the Bush administration to support embryonic stem cell research and said that too much time had been wasted discussing the issue. Although a Republican, Mrs. Reagan has been critical of the Bush administration for blocking public funding of stem cell research due to the party's ethical reservations concerning embryo research. Speaking at a fundraising dinner for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, she said she believed the research could lead to a cure for Alzheimer's disease, and "may provide our scientists with many answers that for so long have been beyond our grasp...I just don't see how we can turn our backs on this...We have lost so much time already...I just really can't bear to lose any more.""

Tags:hematopoietic-cells, alzheimer's, cord-blood, criticism, funding

Abstract
The paper offers a brief overview of astrocytoma and explains the condition, it's pathogenesis, the various classifications, the diagnosis and the possible treatment methods. The paper shows how we are still a long way from providing complete relief for all the different types of astrocytomas.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
The Glial Cells
Tumor Grades
Pathogenesis
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Biomarker for Astrocytoma
Treatment
Chemotherapy
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Brain tumor is one of the most lethal forms of cancers with more than 13,000 deaths every year in the United States. Though we are still a long way from developing medical interventions that promise total recovery, advancements in the diagnostic methods such as MRS, ultrasonic aspiration and in surgical procedures such as intraoperative neuronavigation, Gamma Knife radiosurgery, etc, have improved the precision for the surgeon and outcome for the patient to a significant extent. It is hoped that our increasing understanding of the molecular pathology of the disease propelled by the huge amount of research devoted to the field would lead to developing a successful treatment plan for astrocytoma and all other forms of brain tumors in the near future."

Tags:cancer, glial, cells, neurons, proteins, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery

Abstract
This paper examines the controversial issue of screening for prostate cancer using the PSA test. It explains that PSA is used for its predictive value of prostate cancer in men and a value higher than 4.0 is positive and indicates the possibility of cancer; it is negative if less than 4.0. The paper discusses the serious issues related to the lack of physician adherence to guidelines in Canada and the out-of-pocket payment required of men in Ontario who wish to have the PSA test. The paper also points out that the central issue related to PSA screening is informed decision making as it concerns the patient and the clinician.

From the Paper
"Prostate cancer is prevalent in Canada which, in 2006, had about 10,700 new cases and 4,200 deaths from the disease (Beaulac, Fry & Onysko, 2006). The incidence rates for prostate cancer are low in Ontario, Quebec, and three of the western provinces. Incidence rates in Ontario are far below the national average. The low rates in Ontario appear to result from the use of PSA screening and other forms of early detection. A reduced incidence rate since 1993 across Canada seems to indicate that detection is now being undertaken in a consistent manner all over the country (Gaudette & Altmayer, 1998)."

Tags:cancer, men, tests, biomarker, mortality, Ontario, Quebec